Chase from Mattoon Ends in Neoga; One Man in Custody, Another Suspect May Be in Effingham

Published on December 3 2012 12:50 pm
Last Updated on July 14 2013 12:07 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

A chase that resulted from a burglary in Mattoon ended in Neoga early Monday morning and a suspect is believed to have traveled to Effingham.

Mattoon city police say 34-year-old Chad A. Moran of Mattoon was apprehended in Neoga at 12:58am. Police say Moran was apprehended after fleeing Mattoon authorities in a car stolen from within the city of Decatur.

Mattoon Police say the incident began when an officer was on patrol at 12:43am and heard the sound of breaking glass. Further investigation led the officer to Mark's My Store at 1512 Marion Avenue in Mattoon where the officer interrupted a burglary in progress. Moran fled from the officer in the stolen car and then abandoned the car in Neoga and fled on foot. He was taken into custody a short time later.

Moran has been charged with burglary, criminal damage to property and aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer. He was taken to Coles County Jail in Charleston pending the filing of formal charges.

Meanwhile, there are reports that a second suspect fled the scene. Neoga Police Chief Jon Julius said there is reason to believe the second suspect hitched a ride to Effingham.

Neoga police are working with Mattoon and Effingham authorities to locate the second suspect. Julius said the second suspect was not believed to be armed and was last seen wearing only his boxer shorts.